Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday indicated he is willing to engage in a dialogue with the incoming US administration aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking during a meeting with his security council, Putin said such negotiations should be based on “equality and mutual respect.”
As Donald Trump prepares to become the president, both Moscow and Kyiv prepare themselves for any possibility of peace talks. With new conversations underway, the two sides position themselves on good terms when Donald Trump assumes office.
In what appeared to be an effort to curry favour with Trump’s well-known love of personal flattery, Putin hailed the president-elect as “brave.” He referred to the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 14, as well as the stress Trump and his family were subjected to during the election campaign. Putin congratulated Trump on his “convincing victory,” comments likely to win favour with the incoming US leader and his entourage.
Trump has vowed to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine very quickly. The peace, however, remains elusive because Putin is adamant that Ukraine cannot join NATO, must take a neutral stance, and accepts partial demilitarization. These conditions mean the settlement may still be unattainable despite a renewed possibility of dialogue.